Antum Naqvi Provisionally Named In Zimbabwe Squad For T20 Series Against India

Zimbabwe has provisionally included Antum Naqvi, born in Belgium, in their squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against India. The series will be held in Harare starting Saturday, July 6.

Naqvi, aged 25, is awaiting confirmation of his citizenship status. He recently expressed his desire to play for Zimbabwe and has applied for naturalisation. Born to Pakistani parents in Brussels and later moving to Australia, Naqvi has played domestically for the Mid West Rhinos with a T20 strike rate of 146.80.

Under new head coach Justin Sammons, Zimbabwe aims to rebuild after missing out on the T20 World Cup 2024. The squad has an average age of 27 and collectively boasts 558 T20I appearances. Sikandar Raza, at 38 years old with 86 matches, leads the team as captain.

Luke Jongwe, aged 29 with 63 games under his belt, follows Raza in experience. Other seasoned players include pace bowlers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, aged 26 and 27 respectively, with over 50 T20I appearances each.

Tendai Chatara makes a return alongside Wessly Madhevere, Brandon Mavuta, Dion Myers, Innocent Kaia, and Milton Shumba. Several players from the previous T20I outing have retained their spots in the squad.

The retained players include Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Wellington Masakadza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, and Faraz Akram. However, five players from the recent away series against Bangladesh have been omitted.

Veterans Not Included

Veterans Craig Ervine and Sean Williams were not considered for selection this time. Additionally, Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, and Ainsley Ndlovu did not make it into Zimbabwe's squad for the India series.

Zimbabwe T20 Squad vs India 2024

Sikandar Raza (captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Antum Naqvi (subject to citizenship confirmation), Richard Ngarava and Milton Shumba.

The five-match series will begin on Saturday (July 6) and conclude on Sunday (July 14). All matches are scheduled to take place at Harare Sports Club in Harare.

Zimbabwe vs India T20I Series Schedule

This young squad represents Zimbabwe's efforts to rebuild under new leadership while integrating fresh talent like Antum Naqvi. Fans eagerly await how this blend of youth and experience will perform against India.